become distrustful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become distrustful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a change in someone's feelings or attitudes towards trust, often in response to specific experiences or information. Example: "After hearing the rumors, she began to become distrustful of her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

You become distrustful.

The New York Times

After having been repeatedly bitten in this way, fish become distrustful even toward genuine cleaners.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A lot of communities have become distrustful of the approach that the mayor and Janette have taken".

The New York Times

Infants and young children whose own distress is ignored, scorned or, worse yet, punished can quickly become distrustful of their environment and feel unsafe.

The New York Times - Health

Let's say that Campbell is correct on this point — that people have become distrustful of the truthfulness of what they hear and read, and tolerant of exaggeration and duplicity, to a degree that is unprecedented and pernicious.

The New Yorker

Quoting the United States investigator, it says that he had become distrustful of almost everyone, slept in his car and carried wads of cash to bribe any authority that came too close.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Darius, however, became distrustful of Histiaeus and recalled him to Susa, where he held him a virtual prisoner.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although she works in the medical field, Ms. Campbell Soto said she became distrustful of vaccines after one of her children, who was vaccinated regularly, developed a neurological disorder as a toddler.

The New York Times

They became distrustful of ideologies as well as institutions.

Los Angeles Times

An internal memo by Zajec says she became distrustful after he walked out during her September presentation.

Los Angeles Times

Overconfident in his own military expertise following the earlier victories in 1940, Hitler became distrustful of his Army High Command and began to interfere in military and tactical planning with damaging consequences.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become distrustful", specify the cause or reason for the shift in trust to provide context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "become distrustful" without specifying the object or target of the distrust. Always clarify who or what is being distrusted to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become distrustful" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change in state, where an individual or group transitions to a state of lacking trust. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

18%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become distrustful" accurately describes the transition to a state of lacking trust, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and commonly used across various mediums, particularly in News & Media. Related phrases include "grow suspicious" and "develop mistrust", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using "become distrustful", provide context for the shift in trust to enhance clarity. Remember to specify the target of distrust to prevent ambiguity and avoid overgeneralization. The phrase is versatile and suits neutral registers, effectively conveying diminishing confidence in various circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grow suspicious

Focuses more on the initial stage of developing doubt or suspicion.

develop mistrust

Highlights the gradual development of a lack of trust.

start doubting

Emphasizes the beginning of questioning someone's reliability or honesty.

lose faith in

Indicates a decline in confidence or belief in someone or something.

turn skeptical

Implies a shift towards a more questioning and doubtful attitude.

get wary of

Suggests becoming cautious and hesitant due to a lack of trust.

become cynical

Indicates adopting a pessimistic view based on a lack of trust in others' motives.

begin to suspect

Focuses on the initial act of suspecting dishonesty or unreliability.

acquire a skeptical outlook

Highlights the adoption of a general attitude of doubt.

evolve into a state of distrust

Implies a gradual transformation leading to a state characterized by lack of trust.

FAQs

How can I use "become distrustful" in a sentence?

You can use "become distrustful" to describe a change in someone's feelings towards trust. For example: "After a series of lies, he "became distrustful" of everyone around him."

What are some alternatives to saying "become distrustful"?

Alternatives include "grow suspicious", "develop mistrust", or "start doubting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "become distrustful" or "become suspicious"?

Both phrases are correct, but "become distrustful" generally indicates a broader loss of faith or confidence, while "become suspicious" suggests a specific doubt about someone's actions or motives.

What causes someone to "become distrustful"?

Repeated negative experiences, betrayal, or exposure to misinformation can cause someone to "become distrustful" of others or institutions.